Bertie gave up. The last thing he wanted was Lady Lacey trying to pair him off with a suitable ‘gel’. He decided his best course of action was to do exactly as Lady Lacey wanted. No doubt Algy’s father would have something to say about the cost. Bertie would make sure he’d see the bills.

The Decision to Survive - A good pilot is both born and made. The best would look upon his work as a combination of adventure and a serious mission. – Major General Sir Frederick Sykes

He found a short train in the platform, and a very young man with an earnest manner was happy to talk about the railway.The General Manager wasn't in, he had gone over to Boston Lodge to fetch the engine for the next train, he would be back in about 20 minutes.In the meantime, the tea room was recommended. Bertie ordered tea and a sticky bun, whilst thinking about how to approach the manager.First step would be to buy a ticket, a return to Tan y Bwlch. The earnest young man offered to nip across to the booking office and came back with both a ticket and a guide book, he asked Bertie a couple of questions and offered to speak to the General Manager. Bertie heard two long whistles as his informant said, "That's Prince, the old gent is almost here. I have to go and help, back shortly"Bertie went out to watch after drinking his tea.Once the engine was coupled up, a stout Scotsman jumped off the footplate and came over, "Hello, I'm Allan Garraway, I understand you want to ask me a few questions, you had better come on the Engine. I'll get you a boiler suit. Coal's messy, you know".

"There are a few questions you should ask yourself" he was told. Bertie looked inquiring. "Have you an unlimited amount of money. Are you mad. Do you have anything else to do in your life. Do you know who John Blenkinsop was ,will do to start" he was told. "If you can answer yes, yes, no, and yes, you've got a chance."

And you are aware that there are waggon loads of regulations and insurance requirements that must be complied with for anything larger than a small model like a Mamod ? Allan carefully reminded Bertie.Steam loco boilers are dangerous things, even small ones.

They happily discussed options and practicalities until they came into the approaches to TanYBwlch

Allan advised Bertie to get into the tea room quickly, as they would be going back to Port Madoc in less than half and hour and he had to run around the carriages before the footplate crew could have a short break.

He took the assemblage and the large mugs of tea out to the end of the train where the engine was just about to be recoupled to the carriages.Allan quickly did a brake test and then came to join the others on the "staff bench"